Royal Society's Chemistry World - DNA motors on

As a supramolecular chemist, Hanadi Sleiman found herself strongly drawn to manmade DNA structures. "We think of DNA as the most programmable structure there is. I thought - if it is - let me try to incorporate it into regular supramolecular structures," says the professor at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. She hasn't looked back.

"What is really beautiful about DNA structures is the fact that you can control every single aspect of them," she exclaims. Sleiman is one of an increasing number of chemists who have turned to DNA nanotechnology. Some pin their hopes on using DNA in nanoelectronics or for drug delivery, while others are excited about its potential as an analytical tool.

Sleiman is unable to reveal too much about her group's work to transfer their DNA structures into cells, which is yet to be published. Suffice to say that she is excited about the results.